Forsberg, 20, spent three seasons playing professionally in Sweden before joining Nashville in 2013. Forsberg spent time with the Predators as well as in AHL Milwaukee last year, coming into this season with 65 professional games in North America.

Gaudreau, 21, spent three seasons playing collegiate hockey at Boston College putting up strong numbers for the Eagles.

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In three seasons, Gaudreau — who played with newly signed Florida defenseman Mike Matheson — scored 78 goals.

“We play different positions, so however the media chooses, I have no idea,’’ Ekblad said. “I know for a fact the guys going after this trophy are great guys. Best of luck to whomever wins it.’’

Ekblad is not only playing a position that is tougher to assimilate to, but he’s doing it after playing on the junior level just last year.

If rookie defensemen are supposed to hit a wall, Ekblad hasn’t.

And with just two games left in his season, it’s safe to say he won’t.

The Professional Hockey Writers’ Association will vote on the Calder Trophy among other awards next week with the results announced in June at the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas.

“It’s out of sight and out of mind for me right now,’’ Ekblad said. “If they’re going to pick me, they would have picked me already and not depend on the last two games. The last two games don’t define a season. I’m just trying to finish and win games with the Florida Panthers. That’s what everyone should be focused on right now.’’

END IS NEAR

The Panthers have just two regular-season games left and will likely hold their final open workout at the Coral Springs IceDen on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Florida is scheduled to hold its final two practices (Wednesday and Friday) at the BB&T Center.

The Montreal Canadiens are scheduled to take the ice in Coral Springs at 9:30 on Tuesday morning.